So Kawulok made his decision early, informing Colorado State coaches this week that he`ll sign a letter of intent to CSU next February.

The choice shouldn`t be a surprise to folks who know the family. Joe`s oldest brother, Chris, played tight end for the Rams. Another brother, Mike, will be a junior linebacker at CSU next fall.

Now Joe will be the third of four brothers to play at CSU and the fourth to play college ball. Matt Kawulok played tight end and fullback at San Diego State.

"I wanted to commit before school started so I could concentrate on the season and academics," Joe Kawulok said Friday afternoon. "I just felt comfortable being at CSU. I liked everything about it, and thought it would be the rightfit for me."

Kawulok, a 6-foot-6, 220-pounder, is rated a three-star recruit by both rivals.com and scout.com. A member of the Camera`s All-Region team in 2009 as an offensive linemen, he likely could have been a selection on the defensive side as well. He finished last season with seven sacks and also had four catches -- all for touchdowns -- for 196 yards.

He said CSU coaches have told him he`ll play defense as a Ram.

Kawulok was also recruited by Utah and SMU, both of whom he said also offered him scholarships.

Kawulok grew up in Boulder, and was a Colorado Buffalo fan as a youngster.

"We used to sell tickets to CU games as kids," Joe Kawulok said. "Our whole family used to be CU fans -- but now we`re all CSU fans."

As for this fall, Kawulok hopes to help Monarch take another step in the playoffs. The Coyotes lost to Heritage in overtime in last year`s 4A state semifinals.

"We`ve got some work to do, but we could get there," Kawulok said. "Right now, I just want to play the best I can play and be a leader for my team."